Biographies - Matthew Addison Taylor, M. D.

The Life and Character of M. A . Taylor, M. D.

             It is both pleasing and profitable to contemplate the blending in one nature of those rare qualities that constitute the skillful physician, the useful citizen, the benevolent Christian man. When to these qualities are added the patriot's love of country, and the providence of a kind husband and father, we have the highest type of civilization,—the ideal man. Such a life in any community is like a river that in its quiet meandering through meadow and dale gives life and beauty to the land; God bestows no choicer gifts on man, and it is rare that so many of those estimable qualities fall to the lot of any one. Such men are rare indeed, and few come up to the standard here portrayed; but the subject of this imperfect sketch, Matthew Addison Taylor, approaches very nearly the parallel.

             "Peace hath its victories no less renowned than war." The historian records valiant deeds by field and flood, and posterity cherishes the record of those heroes who have waded "through seas of slaughter to a throne;" but few care for the record of a peaceful and unostentatious life, though it be one of self-sacrifice, benevolence, and the exercise of Christian virtues; of victories over adverse circumstances; one continuous chapter of charities and good deeds, though they be recorded only by the angel above who takes note of the giving even of a cup of cold water; "In as much as ye have done it unto the least of one of these ye have done it unto me," said the Master, whose precepts this Christian man has made the guide through life. He has been the widow's "friend in need" and in deed; the friend and active promoter of education, and of an advanced civilization. His alms have not been cried aloud in the synagogues; yet such a man wins his meed of fame; and should share the chaplet of glory with the distinguished in battle or politics. Posterity will do justice to his memory, though his life has caused scarce a ripple on the surface of society; his good deeds have been done by stealth, and his beneficence has fallen as noiselessly as falls the dew of heaven upon the parched earth. To quote one of the most gifted of the medical profession, Dr. Fordyce Barker, "The only lasting monument a man can build is the reputation he makes in life; of the good deeds done in one way or another." M. A. Taylor has builded himself (and unconsciously) a monument more imperishable than brass, more enduring than marble; for, as it was said of an eminent physician, "though no laurels be entwined in the presence of applauding multitudes, to him belongs a fame far more enduring. By the lone couch of suffering, in the still hour of night, when the world's great eye sees not, and its ear is shut, there, with the tears, the sorrows and the gratitude of helpless ones, the faithful physician's crown is begemmed and sanctified."

             The life of Dr. Taylor teems with interesting incidents; and his character is adorned with qualities worthy of an abler pen, though in the former there are no startling scenes; it has been as quiet and unassuming as it has been distinguished for usefulness. It has been a record of struggles and of triumphs, in an humble way, of charities done, public and private; of civilization advanced, science and religion fostered. He has been the friend of the poor, and has dried the eyes and poured balm into the bruised hearts of many who to-day rise up and call him blessed. He has emulated that good man who "prompt at every call, has prayed for, felt for, all;" and like him too, he has "lured to brighter worlds, and led the way." Tell me not that such a life is not a fitting theme for biographer's pen. The record is rich in moral precepts and examples, and would to God there were more to emulate them.

             His life, moreover, spans two eras in the history of the South; he belongs to the old South, a type of her ante-bellum manhood; and was an active architect in the construction of the new. His reminiscences of Sam Houston, and of the stormy days which preceded and accompanied the secession of Texas would fill a volume, and would read like a romance.

             Coming to Texas in the early part of 1852, a poor, unknown man, with an invalid wife, with no friend to advise, no prestige or influence, he had only a head stored with useful knowledge and a heart pregnant with generous purposes; yes, he had that quality—called by many names—which makes glorious lives and grand successes—to stop nor stay at difficulties; to turn back never, though the lion of misfortune or the gaunt giant of poverty block the way; but like the hardy pioneers of this great State, who conquered the forest, and wrought a civilization out of savage elements, he made opportunity for the exercise of those God-given qualities of heart and head, which in latter years have been universally recognized as distinctive and characteristic of the man, and have made his name the synonym for all that is revered, in innumerable humble homes throughout this section of the State.

             Matthew Addison Taylor is of Scotch-English descent, and his lineage is plainly indicated in both speech and feature. His father's name was Matthew Taylor, as was also that of his grandfather, who immigrated to America before the revolution (1762), and settled with his large family near Richmond, Virginia, and who after the war of the revolution purchased large land claims from the Virginia soldiers. This land had been set apart by an act of Congress, and certificates issued therefor. These certificates Grandfather Matthew Taylor purchased in quantities, and located the lands in Ohio, between the Scioto river on the east, and the Miami on the southwest. He removed to this land and settled on the spot where now stands the flourishing city of Chillicothe. Matthew Taylor, the second—son of the former and father of the subject of this biography, was an officer in the war of 1812-14, under command of General Harrison. He attained to the rank of Colonel, a distinguished honor at that time, one to which only those could hope to aspire who displayed signal valor and bravery. It was unlike the cheap title of Colonel in these degenerate days; and an officer who won it upon the battle field became illustrious in the annals of his country's history. This officer was stationed at one time at Franklin, on the south side of Scioto river, the county seat of Franklin county, Ohio, and during the winter he and his father and an uncle (John Taylor) and Lyon Starling laid off the site where now stands the city of Columbus, on the east bank of the Scioto; here, through their efforts in securing the co-operation and active interest of Hon. John McKnight, State Senator from Zenia, Ohio, and father-in-law of Colonel Taylor's father, the State capitol was permanently located.

             As we have said, Dr. Taylor's father was Scotch; his mother of English descent, both families coming to America about the middle of the 17th century. Matthew Addison was the youngest of four sons and two daughters; the sons were, in order of their respective ages, John McKnight, Harvey Milton, Robert, and Matthew Addison; the daughters, Rebecca, who became the wife of Jesse Cherry, and Elizabeth, who married William Watkins.

             Dr. Taylor was born at Columbus, Ohio, November 12, 1830, and is at present in his sixtieth year. His father, who, upon retirement from military life had engaged in the peaceful pursuit of milling and farming, died December 28, 1832, when Matthew was only two years of age. The management of the estate and business, on the death of his father, devolved upon his mother, a woman of great force of character and of deep piety; and among his earliest recollections are the frequent trips he made to and from the old mill and his father's plantation. At an early age he aided his mother very materially in the management and supervision of the joint interests. In March, 1839, his mother was taken too, and the boy, then only nine years of age, was left an orphan. His oldest sister, Mrs. Rebecca Cherry, took charge of him, and sent him to school some two years. His father had a second cousin by the same name, Matthew Taylor, who was also uncle by marriage, of the lad. He was appointed guardian, and young Matthew Addison left his sister's roof to make his home with the guardian-uncle, near Columbus. There he was placed at school and for two years more received the instruction of good teachers in the district school. He then entered the high school conducted by the celebrated educator, Rev. Mr. Covert, and remained under his pupilage two years; being by this time prepared for a collegiate course, he matriculated at the University of Oxford, Ohio, and completing the curriculum, finished his literary studies.

             Casting around for a pursuit as a life-work which would be most congenial and best comport with his taste and abilities, he selected the profession of medicine. Having determined upon his calling, he set to work with great diligence to lay the foundation deep and strong, upon which to build a career. His oldest brother, Dr. Harvey Taylor, was then engaged in general practice, and readily took his young brother under his wing, to instruct him in the rudiments of medicine. Accordingly in 1846, at the tender age of sixteen, be began a systematic course of reading—and quizzing —under the eye of his senior brother, and made satisfactory progress; but his brother being honored by a call from General Winfield Scott to a position on his staff, accepted an appointment as a member of the General's military family, and served as staff surgeon to the Hero of Chapultepec in Mexico during the entire war. Dr. R. S. Howard succeeded Dr. Harvey Taylor as preceptor to the young student; this gentleman occupying the position of Professor of Surgery in the faculty of Starling Medical College, to be his private pupil was a distinction which gave additional stimulus to the student's ambition, and he applied himself to the acquisition of knowledge with increased zeal and interest. In a short time he was pronounced sufficiently advanced to enter college; accordingly he matriculated at the Starling, and after two courses of lectures was graduated M. D. in 1849, at the age of nineteen years. He had shown such proficiency in his studies, and especially in applied anatomy that, at the suggestion of his distinguished preceptor, he was retained some months as pro-sector for the chair of surgery; and in making dissections for the Demonstrator. He then chose Logan, the county seat of Hockhocking county, as a suitable field, and locating there, about fifty miles from Columbus, he opened an office and began the practice of that profession in which he has won distinction, and at the same time done so much good to his fellow-man.

             Realizing that it is not good for man to live alone, and that the best helpmate a man—and especially a medical man—can have, is a good wife, Dr. Taylor sought the hand in marriage of a young lady whose acquaintance he had made, and who had early taken captive his heart—Miss Phoebe E. Lowe—daughter of Peter B. Lowe, Esq., formerly a prosperous merchant of Bond Brook, New Jersey. This young lady had received the advantages of a thorough classical education at her native village, and her father had recently immigrated to Ohio, settling there in 1850. On the 25th of December the following year, Colonel Lowe lost a daughter and gained a son, and Dr. Taylor was blest in the possession of a jewel of rare worth, on the first Christmas after attaining his majority. But alas—"all things fair and bright must lade," the worm was already in the heart of the rose, and the fell destroyer had early marked her for a victim! Hence, notwithstanding his successes in Ohio as a rising physician were most encouraging, sufficient to gratify his ambition, in fact, in point of work done; and a career of usefulness had opened up before him,—seeing the hectic glow on his young wife's cheek, and noting the unmistakable invasion of pulmonary consumption into that fair young life, he determined to make every effort in human power to save her. He closed up his business, and after investigating the claims of many so-called health resorts, determined to come south, in the hope that the genial air and the sunny skies of far-famed Texas would bring back the health of his bride; to make all else secondary to her preservation. With this praiseworthy determination he came to Galveston in 1852, intending to make that city his future home; but his observation soon convinced him that the excessive humidity of the atmosphere was prejudicial, rather than beneficial, to his wife's health, and he at once determined to come to Austin. He settled here in the early part of 1852.

             The outlook was anything but encouraging; in fact, the surroundings were such as to make a less courageous heart fail. A young man—a total stranger, with nothing but his professsion to rely upon for a support, in a remote village of fifteen hundred with an invalid wife and no money! But, as we have said, he was not one to be discouraged. He realized the necessity of providing food and raiment, shelter, and even luxuries, for the dear invalid wife who, leaving father, home and friends had united her destiny with his, and sought their home in the glowing west; he realized, moreover, that he had no one to rely on but himself, and bravely he met the emergency. He went to work at manual labor,--at anything honorable, no matter how humble or how hard,—that would supply their needs till the dawn of better days. But such a man—one who puts his shoulder to the wheel so willingly—will not call on Hercules in vain. He made a beginning, and having conquered the first great impediment, he took heart, and soon had laid the foundation for a career and a substantial fortune. In a year he was able to open an office and resume the practice of medicine. He had his office at Townsend's drug store, and soon had established a respectable clientelle. By close economy he was enabled to purchase, for cash, a small home, and his wife's parents having come to her assistance by this time, he was relieved, in a great measure, from the care of nursing her, and was able to give this time to his practice. This was a great relief in many ways. During the first year Mrs. Taylor's health improved, and hope again animated the hearts of husband and parents. In two years from the date of arrival in Austin, she presented her devoted husband with a winsome little daughter; but, alas, in giving this pledge of her love, in imparting life to her offspring, the tender young mother yielded up her own, and her gentle spirit was wafted to the golden shores of eternity! But not till she had seen and known her daughter, and had heard her lisp the name of "mamma," that sound so sweet to the ears of young maternity. She rallied; but in 1857, being attacked with pneumonia, she went into a rapid decline, and perished with the roses, in the autumn of that year.

             Left with his little Hattie, the bereaved young doctor mourned the loss of his first love, the companion of his bosom, so true, so faithful, and for whose sake he had made so many sacrifices, and all in vain. The solitude was intolerable; he yearned for companionship, and in two years more had wooed and won a second bride. This wife is the daughter of Captain O. H. Millican, a staunch Mississippi planter who had adopted the Lone Star State for his home. On the 27th of April, 1859, he was again married. His wife was born at Columbus, Mississippi, in 1841, and came to Austin with her father and his family, in 1854. The fruits of the latter marriage are four daughters and two sons; one son and one daughter died in infancy. Edward H. was born in 1860; Mary O., now the wife of Howard Buntin, Esq., and living near Austin, was born in 1862; Addison, who died at the age of eighteen months, was born in 1864; Elizabeth, now the wife of John W. Phillips, Esq., of Austin, was born December 6, 1868; Laura, who died in infancy (six months old), was born in 1871; Daisy Bell, the pet and youngest child, a charming little miss of eleven, was born July 22, 1878.

             The daughter by the first marriage, Hattie Anne, was educated in Illinois and Iowa, attending, at various periods, five of the best seminaries in those States. She was married to Wm. Dixon, of St. Louis, a brother of Dr. Dixon, of that city. He was killed accidentally soon after their marriage, and his widow resides in Austin. The eldest son of Dr. Taylor, Edward H., was sent to Canada at the age of fourteen, and placed in a preparatory school at Woodstock, where he was fitted for the University of Toronto. Remaining at Woodstock sixteen months, he was matriculated at Toronto at the University, and remained there four years, taking the regular curriculum of study, and returned to his home in Texas in 1883. Mary O., the eldest daughter by the second marriage, was educated at Austin, and graduated in 1881, at Alta Vista Female Institute, at the head of which was Mrs. Kirby, one of the most accomplished and distinguished instructors in the State. She also took a post-graduate course in Elmira, New York, in 1883. Elizabeth, the third daughter, was also educated at Austin; first attending the Alta Vista Institute two years, and then entering the University of Texas, at Austin, she there completed her literary and scientific studies. Daisy Bell is yet at school, and is a bright child, in her twelfth year.

             It will be observed that in his own family Dr. Taylor has given evidence of the faith that is within him, and carried out his views of the necessity of a thorough and practical education of both sexes. In word and in deed has he ever been the friend of education, and in Austin he has been the champion of a high educational standard. He has given active and intelligent aid to the cause; and with regard to his profession, he has been earnest and indefatigable in the effort to elevate the standard of professional learning. Indeed, in all that pertains to the profession of medicine, a profession to which he was early wed, and to which he has yearly consecrated himself anew, it may be said that he is most zealous.

             Realizing the prostitution to which the noble calling has been put for the accomplishment of base purposes, and by adventurers, Dr. Taylor has long and earnestly advocated the passage of a law to restrict the privilege of practicing medicine to the hands of those who have studied and trained for its exercise; he was one of the prime, though unsuccessful, movers in the cause of medical legislation, has served on committees of the State Medical Association appointed for the purpose, and has labored in season and out to bring about so needed a reform, exerting his influence with Senators and members of the lower house in behalf ot some such measure. In 1853, at a called session, he framed a bill to regulate the practice, and had it introduced; but that was the end of it. This was the first effort in the direction of medical legislation to regulate the practice in Texas.

            He early recognized the necessity of co-operation on the part of the medical profession before it could be hoped or expected that such, or any other important reform could be effected; and appreciated the great good to accrue to the guild, as well as to those entrusted to their individual keeping, from a harmonious organization of the better elements of the profession; and as far back as 1855, he was largely instrumental in bringing about the first organization of medical men ever accomplished in this State. With a few other leading physicians, among whom the subject was often freely discussed, he called a meeting of the practicing physicians of the State, to be held at Austin. There were present a respectable number of representative men, and an organization was effected. That was in 1855. Dr. Geo. Cupples, of San Antonio, was elected President, a Constitution and By-Laws was adopted, and an address was issued to the profession of the State, asking their co-operation in perfecting the work.

             Dr. Cupples delivered an able address, which was printed and circulated. That was long before the days of railroads in Texas, and the facilities for travel and intercommunication between citizens in different parts of the State were few and difficult; besides, the population was much less dense than at present. Hence, for lack of support, this laudable movement perished in the accomplishment; there were but two meetings held of the Texas State Medical Association as then organized.

             But, notwithstanding this discouragement, Dr. Taylor insisted on keeping up the local organization of physicians, which had been effected the year previous, and the Travis County Society of to-day may be said to be the same society as organized by Dr. Taylor and his early confreres,—in the sense of the Carthagenian ship; he and the venerable Drs. Morris and Litten being, perhaps, the sole survivors. This was beyond doubt the first medical society in the State.

             This point is dwelt upon, because justice demands a correct record. We are writing history; and it should be correctly written, while it is yet possible to correct certain errors now almost unanimously accepted as truth. It is of record, and on the best authority, that the Texas State Medical Association was organized at Houston in June, 1869. That is a matter of fact; but the first organization of the medical profession, or a part of it, in Texas, under the name of the Texas State Medical Association, occurred as above stated in Austin in 1855, and was effected largely through Dr. Taylor's labors. The same may be said of the efforts to secure medical legislation to regulate the practice of medicine. Dr. Taylor unquestionably drew up the first bill and had it presented to the legislature, having for its object the suppression of quackery; or, what is the same thing, the indiscriminate practice of medicine. The cohesion of the early organization was impossible, tor the reasons stated. Not till the facilities of communication and travel became greater was it possible to engender and sustain an interest in organization. When in 1869 the organization was again affected and on a more enduring basis, Dr. Taylor promptly identified himself with it, and has, to the present time, remained a faithful, active, working member. He has served on many important committees, and has been First Vice President of the body. In 1875 he was nominated for President, and came within one vote of being elected. The honor was unsought; indeed, he was not aware of what was in the minds of his friends till it had transpired.

             To the literature of the Association he has contributed liberally, and some good papers. One of the most recent was a paper on the Climatology of Texas, read at the twenty-first annual meeting at San Antonio, and printed in the Transactions of 1889. As chairman of a committee, appointed by the State Medical Association for the purpose, he drafted a circular letter to the profession, setting forth in clear and vigorous terms the necessity for a hearty co-operation on their part in the efforts which the Association was making to procure medical legislation to regulate the practice, and the urgent necessity for such legislation. This letter was by the Association ordered published in the Galveston News, and was also published in the Transactions of 1888, and by vote of the Association was printed in pamphlet form and mailed to the profession throughout the State, and to prominent and influential citizens.

             He served as chairman of the Section of Obstetrics and Diseases of Children in the Texas State Medical Association, and in 1874, at the Austin meeting, held in April of that year, he made a report which was well received and ordered printed in the Transactions; and also a paper on Esmarch's bandage—accompanied by an illustration of a case—which was read at the Austin meeting in 1874. He represented Texas in the American Medical Association in 1876, and was delegate to the same body from the Texas State Medical Association in 1886. He was also delegate to the Ninth International Medical Congress that met in Washington in June, 1886. His services in the organized medical profession of Texas have been eminent; he has been for years, and is today, one of the most active and zealous members. On the reading of any paper before that body he takes a part in the discussion which follows; and there are few diseases, or few subjects connected with medicine, in which he has not had a ripe experience. The same may be said of the local medical organizations. As busy as he always is, and as diversified as are his duties—absorbing and often perplexing—he finds time to attend the monthly meetings of the County, and quarterly meetings of the District Medical Society, and to both he has contributed papers in which his rich experience and mature observation are detailed, to the benefit of his junior brethren.

             Dr. Taylor has eschewed politics all his life, never having sought nor held office; nevertheless he has always taken a deep interest in all that affects the welfare of the people or the State; especially has he been active, as we have said, in internal improvements and in the cause of education. Anything and everything connected with public policy with regard to education in all its departments, or the development of the State, has had a magnetic attraction for him. For instance, he was the first citizen of Austin to think of or propose a dam in the Colorado river, of which more anon; and he was one of the first movers in the direction of railroad extension in Texas,—and largely influenced by his means and advocacy, the building of the first road to Austin, the Central tap-road to Hempstead.

             In fact we question if any other one man has contributed more in time, money and influence toward the development, growth and prosperity of the capital city of Texas than he; or to the advancement and elevation of her educational and religious interests. Quiet and unassuming though he is in his manner, unobtrusive, retiring, in fact, he has been vigilant, and is gifted with a remarkable foresight of events. This has enabled him to accomplish much, where most others would have failed. His well known integrity makes his word his bond, and he thereby exerts an influence which has enabled him to contribute largely to the public good, and incidentally to build up his large fortune. He has, in a literal sense, often "cast his bread upon the waters" and "after many days he has reaped an hundred fold." While, as we have said, eschewing politics, he has accepted appointments and has filled positions within the line of his profession. Shortly after the founding of the State Asylum for deaf mutes, Dr. Taylor was made one of the trustees of that institution, receiving the appointment from Governor Sam Houston; he was also visiting physician to the Blind Institute. Governor Davis, likewise, at the cessation of the civil war and during the reconstruction period, knowing him, and appreciating his fitness for such position, made him one of the board of managers of the State Asylum for the Insane, at Austin; and he was, by the board, unanimously chosen President. He was also a member of the Board of Regents of the University of Texas, and filled this and other positions up to the time of Governor Coke's inauguration.

             start    The office of member of a board of administration or supervision of any public institution is often nominal; and the average member discharges the duties incumbent upon him, usually, in an entirely perfunctory manner; but in the case before us, Dr. Taylor, as a member of the Asylum board, entered heart and soul into ameliorating the wretched condition of that large class of unfortunates; his sympathy, always large, and spontaneous in its outgoing towards worthy objects, became aroused, and he believed, with many able alienists, that the environment of the insane plays a large part in increasing or diminishing, intensifying or moderating, prolonging or abbreviating the mental malady; he thought that attention should be paid to the arrangement of their surroundings so as to make them pleasing and attractive as well as comfortable; that the insane require the cultivation of their perceptive and other faculties as children do; that something is needed besides food and clothing and occasional medication. He suggested the beautifying of the grounds, the removal of everything calculated to make painful impressions, or to excite horror or disgust. Accordingly, the location and surroundings of the magnificent building being favorable for the development of his idea, an immense park was laid off, and beautified. It embraces many acres, planted in grass, kept neatly trimmed, and studded with numerous shade and ornamental trees, amongst which the poor inmates are permitted to roam in bright weather; to recline or walk, to doze or read in the sylvan shade; they have their swings and tennis grounds; provision is made for gymnastic and other exercise; and the park is ornamented with fountains and statuary; while immediately adjacent to the buildings, and approached by broad sweeping carriage ways, are beautiful flower gardens, and a green house of rare plants; birds sing in the bowers, and the splash of the fountains which "gush forth in the midst of roses," makes a melodious accompaniment to their music. This was a judicious conception; and to-day the citizens of Texas are proud of their asylum park; it is one of the attractions shown visitors to Austin.

             During his service as Regent of the University, he was no less enthusiastic in the promotion of every needed reform, and the progress of the educational interests of the State. He looked to everything. In the discharge of certain official duties he has reminded us of the German philosopher who would believe nothing which was not capable of demonstration, mathematically. He was not content to accept without the "grain of salt," any officer's or subaltern's report; he wished to see for himself whether such things were as represented; willing to risk his own judgment, he believed that "one eyesight is worth ten hearsays." In the discharge of his duties as one of the Regents he visited the Agricultural and Mechanical College at Bryan, which was also under supervision of the University Regents, and during his visit he carefully inspected the buildings and premises, as well as the conduct of affairs. It may be thought by some that this was a species of supererogation; but the ends justify the means— sometimes. With the eye of a critic in architecture, he scanned the construction of each building, then being erected, and discovered that the very foundation of the main college building was insecure, He reported it to the board and to the Governor, and recommended that an expert in architecture be appointed to investigate the matter, and to make such recommendations as he thought best in the premises. His suggestion was adopted; the defect remedied, and thus, doubtless, thousands of dollars were saved to the State. These facts are mentioned as illustrating a trait of character which is distinctive and strongly marked; it shows that in whatsoever he is engaged Dr. Taylor devotes his best thoughts to the subject; he goes on the principle that what is worth doing is worth doing well; a quality that has contributed to make him the useful citizen he has proven himself to be. In this connection may be mentioned another circumstance indicating his remarkable faculty of going to the bottom of things; of being thorough. It may seem, as it really is, strange,—that engaged in an absorbing general practice, burdened with a large family and the cares of an immense landed and other estate, he could find time to give so much and deep thought to public affairs; yet such is the fact. Under the law as it then existed, the University lands, of which the school fund of Texas principally consists, were on the market and were being sold at $1.50 per acre. It seems that no one before him had taken note of the fact that with railroad extension and consequent development of the interior, and a rapid filling up of the country, lands had greatly augmented in value, and these heretofore inaccessible and comparatively worthless lands were being bought up at an alarming rate. Dr. Taylor discussed the subject with members of the Legislature, and believing that the State was being literally robbed through a drowsy indifference on the part of those whose duty it was to look after such matters, at once set to work to put a stop to it. The outcome was a bill drawn up by him and introduced into the Legislature repealing the law. The bill passed and no more lands were sacrificed. The revenue to the State accruing from taxes on the increased value of these lands thus secured will amount annually to a large sum. Since the repeal of that law the lands have commanded a good price.

             Up to the breaking out of the war, Dr. Taylor pursued the even tenor of a quiet life as a village physician, for Austin was then only a village, and having no railroad was, one may say. cut off in a large measure from the rest of creation. Sam Houston was Governor. Dr. Taylor was his family physician, and warm personal friend. There was much in common with them; they were both strong Union-loving men, and did not share the rabid fire-eating sentiments which distracted the State and whole South. The situation and its dangers were often discussed between them, the probable results of a war which seemed inevitable were talked of, and both viewed with horror the precipice to which the mad fanaticism of the hour was driving, with resistless force, the old ship of State.

             Dr. Taylor was a prominent actor in man}' of the stirring scenes that occurred about the time of the secession craze. In vain the clarion voice of the grand old statesman rang out in prophetic tones, warning his people to beware! In vain he pleaded with them, argued, besought them to think well and act with caution. Passion took the place of reason; a frenzy had seized upon the popular heart; the overt act had been committed. Sumpter had been fired upon; secession and independent government, or dismal, black ruin was the alternative! Houston's voice was drowned; violence to his sacred person was feared, because he opposed secession!

             Looking back through the dim vista of these sad years—a quarter of a century—now, that the scales have dropped from our eyes, we see the folly, the madness that plunged our State into a bloody, cruel and unnecessary war; and realize, alas! too late, that Houston was right, and secession wrong and impossible! The convention was called. Houston presented a bold front, and made one desperate effort to save his State. He was deposed, and Lieutenant-Governor Clarke was placed in the gubernatorial chair. Houston at last lost patience. He armed himself and came down town. Before going to the capitol, he called upon his friend, the subject of this sketch. Dr. Taylor observed an unusual excitement in his voice and manner, and catching hold of his arm, exclaimed: "Governor, you are sick, sit down; what is the matter?" The Governor could scarcely speak for emotion, or anger; but finally said: "They have kicked me out; they are mad, and will live, some of them, to rue this day." Dr. Taylor talked calmly to him, reasoned with him, and finally allayed his excitement. He arose to leave, and as he did so he took the Doctor's hand in his and said: "Doctor, I owe you much; you do not know how much. I came here on my way to the capitol, fully determined to kill Clarke;" and turning, showed or rather indicated that he was prepared to carry into execution the dreadful threat. He left his pistols; Dr. Taylor went with him to the Governor's office, where the genial courtesy and instinctive good breeding of Governor Clarke, together with his great and genuine respect for the old hero, further disarmed Houston. On their entrance to the Governor's presence, Clarke arose and advancing to meet them, took Houston by the hand, and leading him to the chair of state, said: "Governor, take your seat!"

             Secession followed rapidly on the heels of the convention. The North had "let slip the dogs of war and cried havoc." Dr. Taylor had used every possible influence against secession, and had voted against it. But, when the alternative came, as it did to all of us, to take sides for or against our State, he had no choice: his heart and soul were thenceforth with the cause.

             But he was unfit for a soldier. He believed he could do more good at home than in the ranks, and forthwith he addressed himself to the duty of providing for the helpless ones left at home by the brave men who had gone to the front. He organized a relief association. He went to the wealthier men and said: "We have sent our men to the war, the care of their women and children devolves upon us; it is a sacred duty we owe our country; how much will you give?" And, heading the subscription himself with a large sum, he raised a fund with which want was kept from the door of many a soldier's wife, and later, perhaps,—widow,—and little ones! During the entire bitter struggle he was at the service of the family of any Confederate soldier night or day, rain or shine, and without money and without price! The writer of this sketch, who has had the privilege of many a quiet conversation with this gentleman, whereby an insight into his true character has been gained, heard recently a young man, say, the son of a brave Confederate officer, and whose widowed mother resides in Austin, and has raised this and another son, "Dr. Taylor has been our family physician ever since I can remember, and has never once sent my mother a bill!" All during the war his services were rendered to any one who needed them; and unless the parties were well able to pay, in fact, preferred to do so, he made no charge whatever. Such was his convictions of duty to the families of those who threw their bodies between the invaders and our homes. There is a reward above for such as he, as surely as we live!

             ''Like most others of our Southern citizens, Dr. Taylor suffered heavy pecuniary losses in consequence of the war. Up to the beginning of hostilities he had devoted himself most assiduously to his practice, and had perhaps one hundred thousand dollars due him, recorded on his books. The most of this he lost by the war. His investments in lands also, judiciously made, were mostly swept away. Chaos reigned during and subsequent to the war; business was prostrate, and the minds of men unsettled. Upon looking around when peace came, and reckoning up his possessions, he found himself almost a poor man again. But with an earnestness of purpose, and that remarkable forecast to which allusion has been made, both characteristic of the man, he went to work to rearrange his affairs, and to push forward the work of organization. He promptly "accepted the situation," in the language of the hour. He gathered up the fragments of his shattered fortunes, and reflected how best to repair his losses. He reasoned that should an era of prosperity again dawn, of which there was scarcely a doubt, should the peace which had been declared prove permanent, property in Austin would be the first to respond in increased value. There was little reason to suppose that the demand for wild lands, as it was then called, would be such as to justify any large purchases of that character for speculative purposes; and if Austin property should enhance in value, that situated on the "Avenue," or main channel of commerce, would be the first to come into demand; hence, as rapidly as he could get together sufficient ready money, he purchased rent property; for he made it a rule, never to buy until he was able to lay down the cash. The unsettled condition of business,—the unstable government—(bayonet rule)—rendered purchases on any other basis insecure. He had seen titles upset, and property lost, when bought on credit and partly paid for, and was in no mind or condition to take such risks; and at a time when it may be said every man carried his life in his hand. The readers of these lines—years after the occurrences here related have passed from the minds of the living,—and at a distance from the scenes here described, will hardly comprehend our meaning. There was no government; a military officer was in the Governor's chair; the country was garrisoned by Federal troops,—most frequently the liberated slaves of the southern people who had had bayonets placed in their hands, and had been set to guard (?) us and our property; it was a rule of the strong over the weak; there was no security of person or property; everything depended often upon the whim or interest of some petty local official. Hence his caution in investing his hard earned money. Having purchased, however, as much city property as could be kept well in hand and improved, taxes paid, etc., he began making other investments in what he called "outside" property. These he made with an eye also of early returns, and later he invested largely in wild lands. Today he owns eleven leagues* of land in Dimmit county, which is stocked with high grade cattle,—one of the most valuable ranches in southwest Texas;—and, notwithstanding his princely generosity to church and school, to public improvements and individual charities,—he is to-day one of the wealthiest men in Texas,— owning, in addition to the property enumerated above, a palatial residence in the centre of the city, which is surrounded by beautiful grounds and furnished with sumptuous elegance.

             But let it not be supposed that he thought alone of himself or of his own affairs; far from it; his best thoughts were bestowed upon the rebuilding of the city, the advancements of civilization, commerce, education and religion. One of the first steps to be taken toward the accomplishment of these great ends, was—to place Austin in communication with the outside world. To do this, railroads must be built, and, as before said, owing to the insecurity generally, universally felt; as to property investments in the South, and especially in Texas, Northern capital was timid; it was no easy task to secure sufficient money to build railroads in those days, But the subject was discussed; and Dr. Taylor was one of a committee of five appointed to raise a bonus of $65,000, which it had been agreed, should be paid, to secure the branch or tap road that connects Austin at Hempstead, with the Texas Central road leading on the south to the Gulf, and on the north to St. Louis and the North, East and West. As an example to the others, Dr. Taylor headed the subscription himself with a princely sum, and the balance, through his efforts and those of his associates, was quickly made up and paid. Thus, Austin was at once placed in an independent position and in rapid communication with the outside world. The company demanded additional grants, and individual members of this same committee purchased and paid for out of their own means, the ten acre lot, on which now stands the Union Depot, first used as a depot by the Texas Central tap-road. Immediately upon the completion of the road, as Dr. Taylor had so clearly foreseen, property in Austin began to rise rapidly in value; the town began to fill up; stores were opened, and business of every kind began to find its usual channels; store houses and offices were in demand, and brought large rentals.

             The above is but another illustration of the business sagacity displayed by the subject of this sketch; in advancing the general prosperity, his own fortune was forwarded pari passu. Nor was this growth ephemeral; it was a healthy, vigorous accretion, and property has maintained its value to this day, constantly increasing.

             A second railroad began to be talked of; it was a necessity; and it has been the experience of the ablest engineers that what commerce demands human skill will provide; whether it be to tunnel the Alps, or to bridge the Mississippi. The Vice President and the General Road Manager of the International & Great Northern railroad visited Austin; a meeting of citizens was called, and a proposition was submitted to them,— that in consideration of a loan of $60,000 in cash the International & Great Northern railroad would be extended on an air line from Rock-dale to Austin,—the money advanced to be repaid by the company in freights within a given period after completion of the work. Dr. Taylor strongly urged the acceptance of the offer; but, unfortunately, while there were some public spirited and far-seeing citizens in Austin, there is also an element of "moss-backism;" and it was said— "the capital is the objective point, —the road is bound to come any how, and we will not subscribe the loan." The proposition was rejected; but the mossback prophecy was fulfilled. The road did come, but it was not constructed as Austin could have wished; they built on that line which offered the best inducements from property owners. Our neighboring city—then a crossroads, —Taylor, being more generously disposed, secured the terminus, and became a division end, and has the round house, machine shops, etc., and thousands of dollars are disbursed there each week to employees. This, Austin could have secured, had the people listened to Dr. Taylor's voice, and loaned the company the sum asked. The effect upon property in and around Taylor may be imagined. It was anticipated by railroad men who purchased largely and reaped fortunes. The village of Round Rock —-a mere postoffice prior to that time, grew into proportions to rival Austin in competing for country trade. Austin's trade was so much crippled by the springing into existence of rival trade centers, that when the subject of other railroad connection was mentioned — and it was proposed to construct the Austin & Northwestern road, the business men (?) so short sighted were some, flatly refused to invest a dollar in the enterprise.

             Dr. Taylor had strongly advocated the extension of roads to our north and northwest, in order to tap the rich wool growing, agriculture and mineral region of Burnet, Mason and Llano counties. He had written some strong articles on the subject which had been published. He foresaw that by timely action on the part of Austin the trade of some eight or ten counties to the north and west of us could be controlled and poured into the lap of the Capitol city. He was instrumental in building this road (the Austin & Northwestern, to Burnet). His valuable services were recognized, and as a mark of appreciation thereof, he was made Vice President of the company. He organized and put into the field a corps of surveyors, and their lines were surveyed from Austin to Brushy (a fiver some thirty miles to the northwest). He had, through his personal efforts, secured promise of most of the right of way, at a nominal cost to the projectors of the road. But, unfortunately, a difference arose between him and the President of the road; a fourth line was run without consulting with the Vice President, or with the directors, and without even a reason assigned, and the contract was let, to build on that route. This caused a division of sentiment amongst the superior officers, arid added largely to the expense of construction. After seeing this unfortunate step taken by his superior officer, Dr. Taylor entertained some hope that this officer's representatives would induce him to abandon it; and he suggested to them to do so, in as much as not a single dollar had as yet been paid on their stocks. He had, in the meantime, secured others who would have built the road to Burnet, and gone forward with the enterprise as originally intended. His ambition was as above stated, to penetrate Mason, Llano and the counties beyond, to Colorado City, and there connect with the Transcontinental, thus completing the connection of Austin north, east, south and west, and putting the city in close and quick communication with Mexico and California.

             He argued that manufactories quickly followed rail extensions, and had built hopes as early as that day of seeing Austin become a manufacturing town. And in that connection, one of the first things suggested to his mind was a dam in the. Colorado River! He had already determined in his mind that the proper sight for a dam would be at the foot of Mount Bonnell. His idea was that with a large reservoir of water thus secured by a strong dam, a race connecting it with, and emptying into Shoal creek should be built; the creek acting as a natural channel or outlet, seemed providentially provided. Along the shores of Shoal creek, he argued, would be built factories for the production of various commodities—and which would give employment to thousands of operatives, thus redounding to the wealth, glory and prosperity of his beloved city.

             Now, at a time when everybody is advocating the construction of a dam across the Colorado, and the sight has been by general acclaim located at Mount Bonnell; when factories are talked of as being the one thing needful to insure the independent wealth of Austin; when gigantic enterprises is assuming tangible proportions, and it begins to look as if, in the near future, a glorious fruition is to be realized, it is a little singular to reflect that what is now common talk, and is upmost in all men's minds, was conceived by this citizen's fertile brain years ago; and the whole programme as now mapped out, and hoped for, passed like a panorama before his vision. Nor was it dreaming; it was the outgrowth of a process of ratiocination. Railroads develop a country and bring people; the needs of a people must be supplied; factories are necessary to this demand, therefore factories must be built. Where? where there are the best facilities and where power can be cheapest applied. He realized the fact that an unchained giant lay at the foot of Austin—idle; his power going to waste; put him in harness, he said, and make him turn our spindles and light our streets and irrigate our lands. All this Dr. Taylor had reasoned out,—as far back as 1869. He foresaw too, that slack-water navigation as far as Burnet and Marble Falls and the granite quarries perhaps, would be afforded by a dam properly constructed.

             The writer deems it but an act of simple justice that the above should go on record. In after years the posterity of this good and useful citizen may point to this feature of Austin's greatness, and reflect with pride, that their ancestor had early mapped out and predicted the very events which in their day are being carried out as matter of every day necessity.

             In 1855 Dr. Taylor connected himself with the First Presbyterian church at Austin, and did much to keep that then feeble organization in existence. He may be said to have been, and to be, literally,—one of its "pillars." And here his generosity has been as liberal and as characteristic as in the promotion of internal improvements, public policy, and education. The home mission—the main reliance for support by the church, was crippled, and able to apply only about $400 annually to the support of the church. The deficit, which embraced the salary of the pastor, had to be raised amongst the members, of whom there were only about fifty who were in position to contribute any considerable sum of money. Dr. Taylor for a number of years, made it a duty, which he regularly performed, to secure the necessary amount of money to meet the expenses of the church. Rev. W. M. Baker was the pastor at the time we speak of; and in his professional rounds, as he would meet members, Dr. Taylor would obtain their subscriptions, and in person hand the money to the pastor; whatever deficit there was—and it has been shrewly conjectured by those best informed—that the "deficit" was the larger part of the amount to be raised,—was contributed from the pocket of him who undertook the collection.

             The officers of the church early manifested their keen appreciation of his zeal and his liberality. They elected him President of the Board of Trustees.

             It soon became necessary to enlarge the place of worship. Plans were submitted and agreed upon; and a work of construction began, at a cost of $1100. The major part of this sum was paid by the trustees themselves—the President, as usual, heading the subscription with a liberal amount. In 1874, the building which is now used as a place of worship (1889) was constructed upon the site of the original little church, on the corner of Seventh and Lavaca streets. To erect this building, which is of stone and only one story high,—being at this time and having been since 1874 incomplete,—it was necessary to raise a very large sum of money—$35,000. Of this sum Dr. Taylor paid $3,000, heading the list as usual. At the present writing the church edifice is being completed, another story is being added, and, of course, much more money is being needed to complete it. The watchful guardian and faithful trustee will see that it is forthcoming, even if the major part has to be paid, as usual, out of his own purse. In this connection it may not be amiss to say that for churches and railroads, school houses and in private charities he has given a large fortune; one donation for railroad extension having been put down at $5000.

             Dr. Taylor has largely aided religion in Texas other than by the contribution of money. After the victory to the Southern arms at Manasses, most Southern ministers gave thanks; but Dr. Baker, the pastor of the First Presbyterian church, made no reference to it in his Thanksgiving sermon. This offended certain of the elders, and they quit the church, and all during the war held aloof; afterwards uniting with the other Presbyterian churches in Texas in forming a Southern General Assembly. Dr. Taylor declined to join them, but after the war wrote to the U. S. General Assembly an account of the split, stating that Dr Baker's church had held their allegiance and desired to be reunited with the General Assembly. Accordingly the church was attached to the Nashville Synod and Presbytery; and later, two other churches having been organized in Texas, (Georgetown and Brushy,) Texas was made a separate Synod. Thus the First Presbyterian church at Austin became the nucleus, on which the church in affiliation with the U. S. General Assembly was rehabilitated; and to-day a large sum is expended annually in the support of their ministry.

             As a professional man Dr. Taylor deservedly ranks very high. His opinion in diagnosis, as well as his aid in prescribing, is valued highly by his colleagues; and in many difficult cases he is called in consultation. There are few families in Austin, or indeed in Travis county, who have not, at some time or other, had the benefit of his wise counsel, and experienced the benefit of his skill at the bedside of some loved one. His colleagues bear glad testimony to his ability as a physician, as well as to his uniform courtesy and gentle manner as a consultant. His name is a household word. The number of people who now inhabit Austin, and were introduced to this world by this obliging accoucheur, would be hard to estimate. He is a typical "Family Physician." Animated by a high sense of duty he has faithfully and conscientiously discharged every trust imposed upon him. Recognizing the claims of others to respect, he invariably accords to his fellow-men the right to their own belief and opinion; and though a strong churchman, he is an advocate of the utmost freedom in religious belief; is tolerant and considerate. Conservative in his views, he does nothing rashly, but acts only after due and careful deliberation. His ear is ever bent to listen, and is never shut to the cries of distress; Christian charity is one of his brightest characteristics, but like Laertes, on the advice of Polonius, his "voice he gives to few," and never unasked. True and tried, his friendship is as enduring as steel. Modest in deportment, unobtrusive, he rarely gives offense, and never intentionally; though quick to resent the faintest approach to an indignity.

             Dr. Taylor is uniformly courteous in social and professional intercourse; and in his family he is a model father and husband. He loves his home and his children, and what leisure he has, which is little, for he is a public servant who never tires of doing good, nor chafes at the demands upon his time, patience or purse, he spends in the bosom of his family. His home is beautiful, and the prattle of grand-children is beginning to add to its charms.

             His walk in life has been above reproach. Church, State, municipality and society have shared his services and counsels, as well as suffering humanity. He has conscientiously pursued an even, straight-forward, a pure and upright course, which, having been under the observation of all, is above criticism; he enjoys the unbounded confidence and esteem of every class of his fellow-citizens. He regards himself as a servant of God, and is prepared to give an account of his stewarship. God gave him one talent and he, unlike the slothful man, did not bury it, but put it out at usury, and when the Master demands his own, he can say, "Here, Lord, is Thine talent; behold, I have made it ten!" His business ventures have prospered under God's providence, to whose blessing he attributes all his successes in life. Thoroughly indoctrinated in the science of medicine he has made disease a life study, as well as human nature; and to-day there is not a man in this intelligent community who is a better judge of character, or an abler diagnostician of disease. Not content with putting into practice his store of medical lore, he has sought to impart it to others. Thus he has had many office students, and has prepared a number of young men to enter upon the path he has so long, laboriously and successfully trod. In the evening of his life he can retire to that bower erected by his patience, skill and business sagacity, where the presence of loved ones, and all the endearments of home will contribute to make his latter days happy and peaceful. With a conscience void of offense toward God or man, he can lay down his burden, and wait the call of his Master to that home beyond the skies, where he has richly earned the reward that waits him,—"Well done, thou good and faithful servant, enter now upon thy rest."